Newsletter: August 2016

Without light there would be no life. For neither photosynthesis nor plant growth would be possible without light. The Earth would be uninhabitable and life unthinkable. But what are the origins of light? What properties does it have? Which new ways of using light are there? Why can too much artificial light be harmful? Researchers in Germany are pursuing some exciting ideas and projects in an attempt to find some answers to these questions. You can also read why a young physicist is so enthusiastic about doing a PhD in Germany, learn about current funding programmes and discover our number of the month.

IN FOCUS: Researching light

Innovative cancer medicine, superfast internet, quick and easy payments at the supermarket checkout: none of these would be possible without light. Numerous scientists in Germany are researching light and its possible uses.

When did you last see an impressively starry night sky? If you live in a big city, it may well be some time ago. The large number of artificial light sources in towns is to blame. Scientists taking part in an interdisciplinary project are researching why artificial light could prove harmful to human beings and to nature and how this problem might be solved.

CAREER & FUNDING

Martha Liliana Cortés Sua is doing her PhD at Technische Universität Darmstadt and conducting research at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research. She explained to us why she chose Germany as the place to do her research, how she covers her living expenses and where she met the stars in her field.

Current Calls

Through its Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships, the European Commission supports experienced researchers wishing to spend a limited period of time working abroad. The next closing date for applications is 14 September 2016.

Through its interdisciplinary and international fellowship programme, the Akademie Schloss Solitude supports artists and scholars from eleven disciplines. The next round of applications will take place from 1 September 2016 until 30 November 2016.

Through its grants, the Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard-Foundation supports talented young female researchers with children, giving them the flexibility and mobility they need to pursue an academic career. The next closing date for applications is 30 November 2016.

NUMBER OF THE MONTH

That’s how many people work in research and development in Germany. Never before have there been so many jobs in this field in Germany, as the “Federal Report on Research and Innovation 2016” confirms.